Numbering attachment for off-set printing press

Abstract

 A machine for printing both text and a number on a sheet of paper in a single run of the sheet of paper through the machine, the machine comprising:

text-printing means for continuously printing text on successive sheets of paper and numbering means for automatically alternatingly numbering repetitively or consequently such that each number is printed on a predetermined number of successive sheets of paper printed with text by the text-printing means; the numbering means including; number-printing means for printing one or more numbers on a sheet of paper which has been printed with text by the text-printing means, detent means for activating or deactivating the number-printing means, electronic computing means for counting sheets of paper passing through the machine and signalling when a predetermined number of sheets of paper have been counted, control means for simultaneously signalling the detent means to activate the number-printing means and the electronic computing means to start counting or simultaneously signalling the detent means to deactivate the number-printing means and the electronic computing means to discontinue counting, detection means for signalling the electronic computing means that a sheet of paper passed through the machine, and number-changing means for changing each number printed by the number-printing means to the next consecutive number upon receiving the signal from the electronic computing means that the predetermined number of sheets of paper have been counted.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to off-set printing presses. When using an off-set printing press it is often desirable to both print and number sheets of paper in a single run of the paper through the off-set printing press. For example, such a feature is useful in printing numbered invoices or tickets.

[0002] The prior art includes some relatively large devices which incorporate a numbering assembly within a conventional off-set printing press to permit printing and consecutively numbering printed sheets of paper in a single run of the paper through the off-set printing press. U.S. Patents Nos. 3,046,877; 3,216,347; 3,420,163; 3,782,277; 4,068,582; 4,306,496. These devices are relatively expensive and thus cannot be used by most small commercial off-set printers. The prior art also includes a few relatively smaller and less expensive numbering attachments for off-set printing presses which enable the press to print and consecutively number printed sheets of paper in a single run of the paper through the off-set printing press. U.S. Patents Nos. 3,985,073; 4,044,666.

[0003] All of these prior art devices, however, have significant limitations. In particular, none of these prior devices is sufficiently flexible to permit printing and automatically alternatingly numbering repetitively or consecutively such that each number is printed on a predetermined number of successive printed sheets of paper. Accordingly, these prior art devices cannot automatically number sets of multipage printed forms such that each page of each set has the same number thereon but the pages of consecutive multipage sets are consecutively numbered.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] It is therefore a main object of the present invention to provide a numbering attachment for an off-set printing device which overcomes the above-mentioned drawbacks.

[0005] It is a more specific object of the present invention to provide a numbering attachment for an off-set printing device which can automatically alternatingly number either repetitively or consecutively such that each number is printed on a predetermined number of successive printed sheets of paper.

[0006] A further object of this invention is to provide a numbering attachment for an off-set printing press which can automatically number sets of multiple page printed forms such that each page of each set has the same number thereon but the pages of consecutive multipage sets are consecutively numbered.

[0007] A still further object of this invention is to provide a portable, detachable, self-driven numbering attachment for an off-set printing press which is relatively small and inexpensive such that it can be used by small commercial off-set printers.

[0008] An additional object of the invention is to provide a portable, detachable, self-driven numbering attachment for an off-set printing press which is simple to attach to or detach from the off-set printing press.

[0009] Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means of instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

[0010] To achieve the objects and in accordance with the purpose of the invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, the invention comprises a machine for printing both text and a number on a sheet of paper in a single run of the sheet of paper through the machine, the machine comprising text-printing means for continuously printing text on successive sheets of paper and numbering means for automatically alternatingly numbering repetitively or consecutively such that each number is printed on a predetermined number of successive sheets of paper printed with text by the text-printing means; the numbering means including number-printing means for printing one or more numbers on a sheet of paper which has been printed with text by the text-printing means, detent means for activating or deactivating the number-printing means, electronic computing means for counting sheets of paper passing through the machine and signalling when a predetermined number of sheets of paper have been counted, control means for simultaneously signalling the detent means to activate the number-printing means and the electronic computing means to start counting or simultaneously signalling the detent means to deactivate the number-printing means and the electronic computing means to discontinue counting, detection means for signalling the electronic computing means that a sheet of paper passed through the machine and number-changing means for changing each number printed by the number-printing means to the next consecutive number upon receiving the signal from the electronic computing means that the predetermined number of sheets of paper have been counted.

[0011] To further achieve the objects in accordance with the purpose of the invention as embodied and broadly described herein, the invention comprises a portable, detachable, self-driven numbering attachment for an off-set printing press capable of automatically alternatingly numbering repetitively or consecutively such that each number is printed on a predetermined number of successive sheets of paper printed with text by the off-set printing press, the numbering attachment comprising number-printing means for printing one or more numbers on a sheet of paper which has been printed with text by the off-set printing press, detent means for activating or deactivating the number-printing means, electronic computing means for counting sheets of paper passing through the off-set printing press and signalling when a predetermined number of sheets of paper have been counted, control means for simultaneously signalling the detent means to activate the number-printing means and the electronic computing means to start counting or simultaneously signalling the detent means to deactivate the number-printing means and the electronic computing means to discontinue counting, detection mean for signalling the electronic computing means that a sheet of paper passed through the off-set printing press and number-changing means for changing each number printed by the number-printing means to the next consecutive number upon receiving the signal from the electronic computing means that the predetermined number of sheets of paper have been counted.

[0012] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will be made more apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiments. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate an embodiment of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] 

Figure 1 is a perspective front view of a portion of the preferred embodiment of the present invention particularly illustrating number-printing means in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 2 is a perspective side view of a portion of the preferred embodiment of the present invention particularly illustrating detent means in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 3 is a perspective side view of a portion of the preferred embodiment of the present invention viewed from the same side as is depicted in Figure 2 particularly illustrating control means in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 4 is a perspective side view of a portion of the preferred embodiment of the present invention from the side opposite the side depicted in Figures 2 and 3 particularly illustrating number-changing means in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 5 is a schematic wiring diagram of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS.

[0014] Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiment of the invention, an example of which is illustrated in the accompanying drawings. This embodiment is particularly adopted to be attached to off-set printing presses produced by the ATF Davidson Corporation of Whitinsville, Massachusetts, particularly Model Nos. 221, 233, 241, 251, 500, 501, 502p, 700, 701, 701p 702p and 900. The structure and mode of operation of such presses is well-known. Therefore, only the structure of the press which is necessary for the purpose of illustration of the invention is shown in the drawings.

[0015] In accordance with the present invention, as embodied herein, there is provided a portable, detachable, self-driven numbering attachment for an off-set printing press capable of automatically alternatingly numbering repetitively or consecutively such that each number is printed on a predetermined number of successive sheets of paper printed with text by the off-set printing press, the numbering attachment comprising number-printing means for printing one or more numbers on a sheet of paper which has been printed with text by the off-set printing press, detent means for activating or deactivating the number-printing means, electronic computing means for counting sheets of paper passing through the off-set printing press and signalling when a predetermined number of sheets of paper have been counted, control means for simultaneously signalling the detent means to activate the number-printing means and the electronic computing means to start counting or simultaneously signalling the detent means to deactivate the number printing means and the electronic computing means to discontinue counting, detection means for signalling the electronic computing means that a sheet of paper passed through the off-set printing press and number-changing means for changing each number printed by the number-printing means to the next consecutive number upon receiving the signal from the electronic computing means that the predetermined number of sheets of paper have been counted.

[0016] With reference to Figure 1, in accordance with the present invention as embodied herein, there is provided number-printing means for printing one or more numbers on a sheet of paper which has been printed with text by the off-set printing press. The number-printing means includes an ink fountain (1) and a series of rollers- (2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7) which transport ink from the ink fountain to one or more number printers (8) mounted on a number printer shaft (9). Preferably, the series of rollers include a hard rubber ink fountain roller' (2), a soft rubber ink ductor roller (3), a hard rubber ink intermediate roller (4), a hard rubber ink occulator roller (5), a soft rubber ink stabalizer roller (6) and complimentary rubber ink form roller(s) (7) for each number printer (8). Each number printer comprises an ordinal series of printing wheels (10), each wheel (10) having a digital set of printing type (11). Complimentary to each number-printer is an impression roller (12) mounted on impression roller shaft (13). The number of complimentary number printers (8), ink form rollers (7) and impression rollers (12) may vary. Each complimentary number printer (8), ink form roller (7) and impression roller (12) is responsible for the printing of a number on each sheet of paper from the off-set printing press.

[0017] In operation, the series of rollers are driven by a drive means (38) (Figure 4) separate from the off-set printing press drive means to transport ink from the ink fountain (1) to the ink form roller(s) (7) which come into contact with and ink the face of the number printer(s) (8). Paper coming from the off-set printing press passes between the inked number printer(s) (8) and the complimentary impression roller(s) (12). When impression roller shaft (13) is in a print position as is described in greater detail below. The impression roller(s) (12) impress the paper against the inked number printer(s) (8) and the paper is printed with a number. The paper is then ejected into a sheet catcher or a receding stacker with dolly (not shown).

[0018] With reference to Figure 2, in accordance with the present invention as embodied herein, there is provided detent means for activating or deactivating the number-printing means. The detent means includes a two-position detent lever (14) which moves in the bearing (37) supporting the impression roller shaft (13) into either a no-print or a print position. The detent lever (14) is connected to locking lever (15) which is connected to an electric solenoid (16). When the electric solenoid is energized it moves the locking lever (15) which in turn engages the detent lever (14) which moves in the bearing (37) supporting the impression roller shaft (13) into the no-print position thereby deactivating the number printing means. This position is called the no-print mode. When the electric solenoid (16) is deenergized it moves the locking lever (15) which in turn disengages the detent lever (14) which moves in the bearing (37) supporting the impression roller shaft (13) into the print position thereby activiting the number printing means. This position is called the print mode. The electric solenoid (16) is connected to a no-print mode switch (17) which must be switched to the on position in order for the off-set printing press to be turned on.

[0019] In operation, the off-set printing press is not turned on for operation until the no-print mode switch (17) is switched on. When the no-print mode switch (17) is turned on, the electric solenoid (16) is activated moving locking lever (15) into the engaged position detent lever (14) which moves in the bearing (37) - supporting impression roller shaft (13) into the no print mode position.

[0020] No numbering can be performed in the no print mode position. To start numbering the detent means must activate the number-printing means by moving it into the print mode position. This is accomplished by the sending of a signal (described below) which deactivates the electric solenoid (16) which in turn moves locking lever (15) which in turn disengages from the detent lever (14) which in turn moves bearing (37) supporting impression roller shaft (13) into the print mode position.

[0021] In accordance with the present invention as embodied herein, there is provided electronic computing means for counting sheets of paper passing through the off-set printing press and signalling when a predetermined number of sheets of paper have been counted. The electric computing means is an ordinary mini-computer (not shown). Mounted in the computer is a selector knob (not shown) which can be set for any amount of repeat numbers or remain on consecutive numbering. Also mounted on the counter is a reset button to allow reset of the sequence if the sequence has been disturbed.

[0022] In accordance with the present invention as embodied herein, there is provided control means for simultaneously signalling the detent means to activate the number-printing means and the electronic computing means to start counting or simultaneously signalling the detent means to deactivate the number printing means and the electronic computing means to discontinue counting. With reference to Figure 3, there is shown such a control means particularly adapted to be used with the paper detection component of the aforementioned ATF Davidson off-set printing press. As the first sheet of paper passes down the ATF Davidson paper conveyor (not shown) it passes under the ATF Davidson sheet detector (not shown) which activates throw out cam assembly (19) which moves throw out cam lever (20) which in turn pivots cylinder hub assembly (21). When cylinder hub assembly (21) pivots, laching lever (22) moves upwards and trips two micro switches mounted in tandem -- an inner micro switch (23) and and outer micro switch (24). The inner micro switch (23) sends a signal deactivating electric solenoid (16) (Figure 2) which causes locking lever (15) to disengage from the detent lever (14) to move bearing (37) supporting impression roller shaft (13) into the print mode position thereby activating the number-printing means. Outer micro switch (24) signals the electronic computing means to start counting the sheets of paper passing through the off-set printing press.

[0023] In accordance with the present invention as embodied herein, there is provided detection means for signalling the electronic computing means that a sheet of paper passed through the off-set printing press. With reference to Figure 3, sheets of paper passing through the off-set printing press are detected by special trip cam assembly (34) and sheet counter micro-switch (35). Special trip cam assembly (34) rotates once for each piece of paper passing through the off-set printing press. Each such rotation activates the sheet counter micro-switch (35) which sends a signal to the electronic computing means to count another sheet of paper as having passed through the off-set printing press.

[0024] The numbering and counting operations remain in effect as long as paper is running through the off-set press. When the suction feed switch (not shown) of the off-set printing press is shut off, paper no longer feeds through the press and the paper detection means described above pivots the cylinder hub assembly (21) to its inactive position. Movement of the cylinder hub assembly (21) causes the laching lever (22) to disengage thereby deactivating inner and outer micro switches (23 and 24). Deactivation of inner and outer micro switch (23) activates electric solenoid (16) (Figure 2) which causes locking lever (15) to engage the detent lever (14) to move in the bearing (37) supporting impression roller shaft (13) into its no-print mode position. Deactivation of outer micro switch (24) signals the electronic computing means to discontinue counting.

[0025] In accordance with the present invention as embodied herein, there is provided number-changing means for changing the number printed by the number-printing means to the next consecutive number upon receiving the signal from the electronic computing means that the predetermined number of sheets of paper have been counted. With reference to Figure 4, every time the predetermined number of sheets of paper is counted by the electronic computing means the electronic computing means sends a signal which energizes electric solenoid (25) pulling block (26) which in turn pulls pivot lever (27) down and forces locking block assembly (28) into a position which forces recoil shaft (29) (Figure 1) downward. As illustrated in Figure 1, the downward movement of recall shaft (29) pivots trip lever shaft (30) thereby deflecting trip lever(s) (31) downward so that they come into contact with printing type of the number printer(s) (8) such that the printing type (11) is changed to the next consecutive printing type (11). Trip lever shaft (30) includes one trip lever (31) mounted thereon for each number printer (8).

[0026] Electric solenoid (25) is returned to its original position by return spring (32) mounted in return spring bracket (33) which thereby returns block (26), pivot lever (27), block assembly (28), recoil shaft (29), trip lever shaft (30), and trip levers (31) to their original position in preparation for the next number change.

[0027] To summarize the overall operation of the off-set printing press numbering attachment of the present invention. Turning on the off-set printing press activates the detent means to place the number-printing means into the no-print mode. Upon detection of paper in the off-set printing press the control means simultaneously signals the detent means to place the number-printing means into the print mode and the electronic computing means to start counting. The number-printing means then repetitively prints the same number of each sheet of paper passing through the press. As each sheet of paper passes through the press the detection means signals the electronic computing means to count another sheet of paper. When the predetermined number of sheets of paper have been counted, the electronic computing means signals the number-changing means to change the number printed by the number printing-means to the next consecutive number. The number-printing means then repetitively prints this new number on each sheet of paper until the electronic computing means again counts the predetermined number of sheets of paper and again signals the number-changing means to change the number to the next consecutive number. The machine continues operating like this until no paper is detected passing through the off-set printer. Upon detection of no paper, the control means simultaneously signals the detent means to place the number-printing means into the no-print mode and the electronic computing means to discontinue counting. When the job is finished, the separate drive motors of the off-set printing press and the numbering attachment are turned off. Turning the machine back on starts the procedure all over again.

[0028] The numbering attachment of the present invnetion is a portable detachable, self-driven unit. Preferably, the numbering attachment is connected to the press by a quick disconnect plug assembly and the wiring is as illustrated in Figure 5.

[0029] The inking unit of the numbering attachment is preferably made in modular form and can be removed from the main body of the number attachment by simply lifting upward. This affords easy access to the number printers when hand resetting is required as well as easy maintenance, cleaning and replacement of the number-printing means also instant changing of colors.

[0030] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications and variations of this invention provided that they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A machine for printing both text and a number on a sheet of paper in a single run of the sheet of paper through the machine, the machine comprising: text-printing means for continuously printing text on successive sheets of paper and numbering means for automatically alternatingly numbering repetitively or consecutively such that each number is printed on a predetermined number of successive sheets of paper printed with text by the text-printing means; the numbering means including: number-printing means for printing one or more numbers on a sheet of paper which has been printed with text by the text-printing means, detent means for activating or deactivating the number-printing means, electronic computing means for counting sheets of paper passing through the machine and signalling when a predetermined number of sheets of paper have been counted, control means for simultaneously signalling the detent means to activate the number-printing means and the electronic computing means to start counting or simultaneously signalling the detent means to deactivate the number-printing means and the electronic computing means to discontinue counting, detection means for signalling the electronic computing means that a sheet of paper passed through the machine, and number-changing means for changing each number printed by the number-printing means to the next consecutive number upon receiving the signal from the electronic computing means that the predetermined number of sheets of paper have been counted.

2. A portable, detachable, self-driven numbering attachment for off-set printing press capable of automatically alternatingly numbering repetitively or consecutively such that each number is printed on a predetermined number of successive sheets of paper printed with text by the off-set printing press, the numbering attachment comprising: number-printing means for printing one or more numbers on a sheet of paper which has been printed with text by the off-set printing press detent means for activating or deactivating the number-printing means, electronic computing means for counting sheets of paper passing through the off-set printing press and signalling when a predetermined number of sheets of paper have been counted, control means for simultaneously signalling the detent means to activate the number-printing means and the electronic computing means to start counting or simultaneously signalling the detent means to deactivate the number-printing means and the electronic computing means to discontinue counting, detection means for signalling the electronic computing means that a sheet of paper passed through the off-set printing press, and number-changing means for changing each number printed by the number-printing means to the next consecutive number upon receiving the signal from the electronic computing means that the predetermined number of sheets of paper have been counted.

Drawing